Why Coudé (Curved) Tip for Difficult Anatomy

Men with enlarged prostates (BPH), urethral strictures, or false passages often struggle with straight catheters that can't navigate anatomical obstacles. The coudé's gentle curve follows the natural urethra contour and guides past obstructions more easily than straight tips—reducing insertion difficulty, trauma, and patient anxiety during self-catheterization.

Key Features & Benefits

• Coudé (curved) tip for easier passage past prostate/strictures
• 14 French (14 Fr) with green color-coded funnel for quick identification
• 16″ (40 cm) male length ensures complete bladder emptying
• Smooth, fire-polished eyelets for comfort and consistent flow
• Uncoated (non-hydrophilic) PVC - use with sterile lubricant
• Latex-free, DEHP-free construction for safety
• Sterile, single-use for infection prevention
• Curved tip offers guided control where straight tips are difficult

Clinical Applications

Appropriate for: ✓ Men with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) requiring intermittent catheterization
✓ Urethral strictures making straight catheter passage difficult
✓ False passages or difficult urethral anatomy
✓ Patients trained in intermittent self-catheterization
✓ Post-prostate surgery requiring temporary catheterization
✓ Neurogenic bladder requiring regular drainage

Important: Coudé catheters require proper training on correct insertion technique. The curve must be oriented correctly (typically 12 o'clock position) to be effective.

Usage & Application - Patient Guidance

For Self-Catheterization Under Clinical Direction: This catheter is for intermittent self-catheterization as instructed by your healthcare provider. Proper training is essential for safe, effective use.

Preparation:

1. Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water
2. Gather supplies: catheter, sterile lubricant, receptacle
3. Open sterile catheter package carefully
4. Do not touch the catheter shaft or tip

Lubrication:

• This is an uncoated catheter requiring sterile lubricant
• Apply generous amount of sterile, water-based lubricant to catheter tip
• Ensure adequate lubrication for comfortable insertion

Insertion Technique (Male):

1. Hold penis at 90-degree angle to body
2. Orient coudé curve facing 12 o'clock (upward toward belly button)
3. Insert gently and slowly with curve leading the way
4. The curve will naturally follow the urethra and navigate past the prostate
5. Continue inserting full 16″ length until urine flows
6. If resistance is met, do NOT force - try gentle rotation or withdraw slightly
7. Once urine flows, advance slightly further to ensure complete drainage

Drainage:

• Allow bladder to empty completely into toilet or receptacle
• Typical drainage takes 2-5 minutes
• Do not rush the process

Removal:

1. When flow stops, gently withdraw catheter slowly
2. Pinch catheter during removal to prevent dribbling
3. Dispose of catheter in appropriate waste receptacle
4. Wash hands again after procedure

Frequency:

• Follow your healthcare provider's prescribed catheterization schedule
• Typical schedules: every 4-6 hours or as directed
• Never skip scheduled catheterizations

When to Contact Healthcare Provider:

• Unable to insert catheter despite proper technique
• Blood in urine (more than slight pinkish tinge)
• Pain during or after catheterization
• Fever, chills, or signs of infection
• Cloudy or foul-smelling urine

Product Specifications

Type: Intermittent catheter, coudé (curved) tip
Size: 14 French (14 Fr)
Length: 16″ (40 cm) - male length
Tip Style: Coudé (curved, tapered) for navigating anatomical obstacles
Material: PVC (uncoated) - latex-free, DEHP-free
Eyelets: Two fire-polished drainage eyes
Funnel: Color-coded green (14 Fr standard)
Coating: None - requires sterile lubricant
Sterility: Sterile, single-use only
Packaging: Sold individually (often stocked in boxes by distributors)
Best For: BPH, urethral strictures, difficult male anatomy

Apogee™ coudé catheters provide the guided navigation needed for challenging male anatomy—helping patients with enlarged prostates or strictures achieve successful self-catheterization with less difficulty and trauma than straight-tip alternatives.